State tax credits for tolls merit closer look

December 21, 2005

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE State tax credits for tolls merit closer look

The idea of a Toll Road tax credit, discussed in the Dec. 18 Tribune editorial, is a good one. Hoosiers who use the Indiana Toll Road would be reimbursed for tolls paid by receiving a credit against their state income taxes. In fact, I have already asked the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency to research and draft such language for consideration during the upcoming session of the General Assembly. Tolls pay off bond proceeds used to build and maintain the Indiana Toll Road, and it is time to find a way to release Hoosiers from that burden.

State Sen. Joe ZakasR-Granger

Education

In response to the Nov. 6 letter by Richard Becker: He would have us believe that the sole purpose of Planned Parenthood is to force contraception and abortion on unsuspecting women. He fails to mention that Planned Parenthood educates women about contraception, adoption and prenatal care and provides referrals for these services. It also provides pelvic exams, breast cancer screenings and pap tests. It is, at times, the only source of medical services for some low-income women. Becker seems to feel that abstinence is the only acceptable choice for teens and he refers readers to very conservative, religious-based Web sites. While I applaud teens who are able to abstain from sexual activity, the reality is that many teens do not abstain. According to a report from the Indiana State Department of Health, almost half of Indiana's adolescents have had sex and almost 40 percent are currently sexually active. It seems that a better solution than an "abstinence or nothing" viewpoint would be to educate our teens about all of their options. To enable teens to make the safest choice possible, we should acknowledge the different things that influence them, provide them with accurate information about sexuality and safer sex options, talk with them about the feelings and urges they are having and keep the lines of communication open.

Sharon M. HolstonSouth Bend

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Trampled

It is one thing to not believe in a creator. But it is malicious and arrogant to trample on the rights of a moral and patriotic society by taking "In God we Trust" from our money. Doesn't that take away our rights to worship and believe the way we want? Atheist Michael Newdow should go to a communist country because he is un-American. I saw an article in a Florida newspaper about a member of the American Civil Liberties Union who was complaining about a nativity scene on government property. Complaints were also received from Americans United for Separation of Church and State. I feel this type of opposition is anti-American and those against these symbols of American freedom might be happier in a foreign country. American would be more peaceful. As for the challenge to displaying the Ten Commandments at the state Capitol in Lansing, I agree with anyone who encourages the historical and moral significance of this traditional symbol. I am under the impression that the legislative director for the ACLU of Michigan is an atheist. That would explain why she opposes public religious displays. I believe the Ten Commandments display symbolize religious or patriotic freedom. Anyone opposed to that might be thought to be un-American.

Terry TurmanDowagiac

Get rid of it

If you want to impress people entering South Bend from the airport, get rid of the rusty bedsprings "artwork" on the exit road of the airport. That can set the pace of the rest of the trip. If someone had this in their front yard, they would receive a citation from the police, but the airport proudly displays it.